Projected Role & Competition
Pacheco profiles as the No. 2 RB behind Gibbs. The problem: Gibbs is not just a lead back. He’s central to the Lions offense. Gibbs handled 320 total touches, scored 13 rushing TDs, caught 77 passes, and finished third among RBs in PPR points per game.
That was with David Montgomery playing all 17 games.
Montgomery finished as RB31 in PPR points per game and RB27 in total fantasy points. That might be Pacheco’s ceiling this season if he just folds into the same role.
But the likelihood of Pacheco matching that production remains unlikely. His one-year, $1.81 million contract doesn’t show much value in him having as large a role. Plus, Montgomery himself lost work late in the season with only one game with double digit carries in the final eight of 2025.
The most realistic projection is early-down relief work, some clock-killing carries, and occasional goal-line chances.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast helps keep the Lions offense fantasy friendly.
Jared Goff threw for 4,564 yards and 34 TDs, keeping Detroit efficient. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 117 passes for 1,401 yards and 11 TDs. Jameson Williams topped 1,100 receiving yards. Sam LaPorta was efficient when healthy.
That passing-game talent keeps defenses honest and sustains scoring drives.
But that same supporting cast also limits Pacheco's touch opportunities. Detroit has better ways to move the ball. Pacheco will need to earn significant goal-=line work to unlock meaningful upside.
Coaching & Offensive Scheme
New OC Drew Petzing is expected to call plays and could alter how the offense operates.
The offense already showed strength under previous play callers. The Lions ranked fifth in points in 2022, fifth again in 2023, first in 2024 under OC Ben Johnson. With OC John Morton and HC Dan Campbell calling plays, they ranked fifth in 2025. That consistency makes Goff easier to trust.
The pass-rate trend also moved in his favor last season. Detroit’s neutral pass rate fell slightly from 54.3% in 2022 to 53.4% in 2024 under Ben Johnson. It perked back up to 57.2% in 2025 under Morton and Campbell.
Now Petzing arrives after his most pass-heavy season. His pass rate over expected also climbed over his three years calling plays as the Cardinals HC:
| Points | Plays | Pace | Pass Rate | Neutral Pass Rate | PROE |
2023 | 24th | 62.8 | 9th | 55.9% | 52.6% | -4.4% |
2024 | 12th | 60.9 | 19th | 55.3% | 57.3% | +0.1% |
2025 | 23rd | 63.2 | 2nd | 65.9% | 63.4% | +7.3% |
Petzing’s Arizona offenses didn’t score very well, ranking 24th, 12th, and 23rd in his three seasons. But he inherits much more talent in Detroit.
Paths To Ceiling
Pacheco’s ceiling aligns with taking over the David Montgomery role directly.
But, the likelihood of Pacheco matching that production remains unlikely. His one-year, $1.81 million contract doesn’t show much value in him having as large a role. Plus, Montgomery himself lost work late in the season with only one game with double digit carries in the final eight of 2025.
Ultimately, Pacheco's true ceiling would come with a Gibbs injury, which would push him into a full-time role, especially with the Lions lacking a viable No. 3 RB. Even in that case, he’d obviously fall well short of Gibbs’ upside in both receiving volume and general efficiency.
Risk Factors
The biggest risk is Gibbs taking on an even bigger role.
Gibbs is better, more explosive, and far more valuable in the passing game. He ranked third among RBs in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and PPR points per game. That leaves Pacheco fighting for lower-value touches.
Pacheco lacked efficiency in 2025 and isn’t likely to take touches from the incumbent
It is certainly possible Gibbs takes on even more snaps, leaving Pacheco as little more than a short-yardage backup. That would leave him with little to no fantasy production.
